Roanoke Vineyards

In the spring of 2006 our Vineyard Master Gabby Pisacano began an experiment in the twelve easternmost rows of Cabernet Franc. Gabby started thinning clusters in June trimmed the canopy way back until he was satisfied each grape was getting the proper sunlight and eschewed the use of a applied chemicals. With the crop hanging at one and a half tons per acre each cluster had space for the sea breeze to keep it dry disease and rot were not factors allowing the vines to produce pristine fruit. Twice daily trips through each row allowed Gabs to monitor the fruit as well as document ripeness as the season progressed.